IRGC Seizes Two Commercial Vessels in Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing U.S. Blockade

On 21-22 April 2026 the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy ordered the Liberia-flagged, Greek-owned Epaminondas (MSC-operated, bound for Mundra, India) and the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca (en route to Hambantota, Sri Lanka) into Iranian territorial waters. IRGC statements said the ships lacked required permits and had “tampered with navigation aid systems,” endangering maritime security.

Iran seizes two vessels including India-bound container ship EPAMINONDAS despite ceasefire extension

Since early 2026 the United States, under President Donald Trump, has enforced a naval blockade of Iranian ports, directing vessels suspected of carrying contraband to turn back. On 22 April the Trump administration announced an indefinite extension of a two-week ceasefire, citing the need for Iran to present a unified negotiating position. Iran repeatedly calls the blockade illegal and has invoked the Strait’s “red line” to pressure Washington.

Iran seizes two vessels including India-bound container ship EPAMINONDAS despite ceasefire extensionIRGC seizes two vessels in Strait of Hormuz, releases operation footageIRGC targets container ships in Strait of Hormuz as US maintains naval blockade on Iranian vesselsIran Releases Footage of Vessel Seizure in Strait of HormuzIRGC releases details of vessel seized on suspicion of cooperation with US militaryStandoff at Sea: The US-Iran Naval Blockade and the High-Stakes Waiting Game for Global Energy (Videos)

• Maj. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, IRGC commander, authorizing the seizures.

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• President Donald Trump, U.S. commander of the blockade and ceasefire extension.

Iran seizes two vessels including India-bound container ship EPAMINONDAS despite ceasefire extension

• Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, spokesperson on U.S. policy.

IRGC targets container ships in Strait of Hormuz as US maintains naval blockade on Iranian vessels

• Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s UN permanent representative, conditioning talks on blockade removal.

IRGC targets container ships in Strait of Hormuz as US maintains naval blockade on Iranian vessels

• Hamidreza Haji-Babaei, deputy speaker of Iran’s parliament, noting toll revenue deposited in the central bank.

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• Oct 2024-Jan 2026: Epaminondas makes 36 stops at 11 U.S. ports, unloading ~299,000 t of cargo.

IRGC releases details of vessel seized on suspicion of cooperation with US military

• 18 April 2026: U.S. destroyer USS Spruance seizes Iranian-flagged Touska in the Gulf of Oman.

Standoff at Sea: The US-Iran Naval Blockade and the High-Stakes Waiting Game for Global Energy (Videos)

• 21-22 April 2026: IRGC seizes Epaminondas and MSC Francesca; fires on third vessel Euphoria (not seized).

Iran seizes two vessels including India-bound container ship EPAMINONDAS despite ceasefire extension

• 22 April 2026: CENTCOM reports 29-31 commercial ships ordered to turn around; Trump extends ceasefire indefinitely.

IRGC targets container ships in Strait of Hormuz as US maintains naval blockade on Iranian vessels

• Epaminondas recorded 36 U.S. port calls, moving roughly 299,000 tons of cargo.

Iran seizes two vessels including India-bound container ship EPAMINONDAS despite ceasefire extension

• CENTCOM says 29-31 vessels have been redirected under the blockade.

IRGC targets container ships in Strait of Hormuz as US maintains naval blockade on Iranian vessels

• IRGC alleges both seized ships “tampered with navigation systems” and lacked permits.

Iran seizes two vessels including India-bound container ship EPAMINONDAS despite ceasefire extension

The Strait of Hormuz carries over 20 % of global oil trade. By holding neutral vessels, Iran seeks to raise shipping costs and force the United States to lift the blockade, while the U.S. labels the act piracy that could justify further military response.

Standoff at Sea: The US-Iran Naval Blockade and the High-Stakes Waiting Game for Global Energy (Videos)

• IRGC: Vessels operated without permits, tampered with navigation aids, and endangered security; any unauthorized transit will be treated as “cooperation with the enemy.”

Iran seizes two vessels including India-bound container ship EPAMINONDAS despite ceasefire extension

• White House (Leavitt): No firm deadline set for Iran’s proposal; internal Iranian divisions impede a unified response.

IRGC targets container ships in Strait of Hormuz as US maintains naval blockade on Iranian vessels

• UN representative (Iravani): Negotiations can resume only after the U.S. cancels maritime pressure measures.

Iran Seizes Two Vessels in The Strait of Hormuz

• U.S. Central Command: Continues blockade, having redirected 29 vessels to protect regional security.

IRGC targets container ships in Strait of Hormuz as US maintains naval blockade on Iranian vessels

U.S. officials call the IRGC’s actions “pure piracy” and warn they undermine international shipping. Gulf Cooperation Council states have urged urgent de-escalation, citing risks to regional economies.

Standoff at Sea: The US-Iran Naval Blockade and the High-Stakes Waiting Game for Global Energy (Videos)

IRGC-released video shows armed gunboats boarding Epaminondas, damaging its bridge with gunfire but causing no crew injuries. MSC Francesca sustained hull damage. The third vessel, Euphoria, escaped after being fired upon.

Iran seizes two vessels including India-bound container ship EPAMINONDAS despite ceasefire extension

Sources differ on the exact seizure date (April 21 vs 22) and on the number of vessels redirected (29 vs 31). The fate of the crews after transfer to Iranian waters remains unspecified.

Iran Releases Footage of Vessel Seizure in Strait of Hormuz

• “The president has not set a firm deadline to receive an Iranian proposal, unlike some of the reporting we’ve seen today,” — Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary

IRGC targets container ships in Strait of Hormuz as US maintains naval blockade on Iranian vessels

• “IRGC warned that any further attempts to transit without permission would be treated as cooperation with the “enemy” amid the ongoing US naval blockade of Iranian ports.” — IRGC statement

Iran seizes two vessels including India-bound container ship EPAMINONDAS despite ceasefire extension

• “official told Axios that Washington has decided to give Iran time to reach a unified position.” — Unnamed U.S. official (reported by Axios)

IRGC targets container ships in Strait of Hormuz as US maintains naval blockade on Iranian vessels

U.S. officials indicate the blockade will persist until Iran lifts restrictions, while Iran signals willingness to keep vessels in “maritime purgatory” pending a negotiated end to the blockade. Diplomatic talks in Islamabad remain stalled, and further IRGC interdictions are possible if the stalemate continues.

IRGC targets container ships in Strait of Hormuz as US maintains naval blockade on Iranian vessels